Kylian Mbappe, French football prodigy, has stunned Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) by declaring his intent to leave the Ligue 1 titans once his contract concludes in 2024, as per sources within French sports media and international reports. This comes on the heels of Lionel Messi's announced departure to MLS team, Inter Miami.
Mbappe's decision not to take up a 12-month contract extension was communicated formally, leaving the PSG management grappling with the potential loss of the 24-year-old forward, who famously scored a hat-trick for France in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina.
Real Madrid, the renowned Spanish football powerhouse, might heighten their pursuit of Mbappe as they look to strengthen their front line in the wake of Karim Benzema's departure to Saudi Arabian club, Al-Ittihad. However, this is not the first time Real Madrid has expressed interest in Mbappe. Last year, when the young striker was speculated to make a move to Spain, he eventually extended his contract with PSG.
The future of Brazil's Neymar, another PSG star, is also under speculation. Still, the probable loss of Mbappe would arguably deal the heaviest blow to PSG. The French icon is globally regarded as one of the few talents capable of filling the shoes of football legends like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite Mbappe's aspirations to guide PSG to its first-ever Champions League victory, the team suffered yet another setback in Europe's premier football competition. Manchester City emerged as the champions, defeating Inter Milan 1-0 in the final on Saturday.
PSG is reportedly open to proposals for Kylian Mbappe this summer, sources informed ESPN. This readiness to consider a departure for their stellar forward follows Mbappe's announcement that he will not prolong his current deal beyond 2024.
PSG chairman, Nasser Al Khelaifi, while seemingly reluctant, appears ready to let the 24-year-old exit the Paris-based team, aiming to avoid Mbappe leaving as a free agent next season. Sources suggest that PSG might be seeking a transfer fee in the ballpark of €150 million ($161.5 million).
Despite turning down a bid close to €180m from Real Madrid last year, PSG might not be able to retain the World Cup-winning forward this time around, especially with Real Madrid bolstering their team with the signing of England midfielder Jude Bellingham.
PSG, under the ownership of Qatar Sports Investments, had recently seen Messi leave for MLS without any compensation in return. Amid this upheaval, there's an aura of uncertainty around Neymar's future as well.
Since his arrival at PSG from AS Monaco in 2017, for a reported $190 million, Mbappe has secured five French league titles and was part of the victorious French squad in the 2018 World Cup. Amid a shifting strategy focusing on young, French talent, Mbappe's departure could significantly impact PSG's plans for European success.
